Fire has always been part of California’s landscape.
But long before the vast blazes of recent years, Native American tribes held controlled burns that cleared out underbrush, encouraged new plant growth, and helped manage wildfires. It’s a tradition that disappeared with the arrival of Western settlers.
NPR climate correspondent Lauren Sommer explains how tribal leaders are trying to restore the practice by partnering up with state officials who are starting to see cultural burns as a way to help bring extreme wildfires under control.
You can read Lauren’s story here.
Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Brent Baughman, fact-checked by Rebecca Ramirez, and edited by Viet Le.
Short Wave Podcast
It’s science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.